of the most beautiful libraries in the world to work in

As more of us than ever work remotely, it's always good to know stylish places you can hide away with your laptop - undisturbed. Away from the hustle and bustle of crying babies that sometimes dominate the daytime cafes, we have located 10 of the most beautiful libraries on earth, where you can catch a few mediative moments, be creatively inspired and work in an iconic setting.

1

Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria

It may have more than 12 million items in its various collections, but the Austrian National Library with its baroque structure is totally fairytale in its design. With floor-to-high-ceiling books, The Prunksaal at the center of the old imperial library will take your breath away. Image: @jihankara_

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, France

Paris's Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève was built between 1843 and 1850, yet the aesthetic restraint and use of exposed iron was well before its time. Situated next to the Pantheon- its a secret, delightful way to spend an afternoon while in the Latin Quarter. Image: @bibliothequesaintegenevieve

The British Library, London, England

The British Library sits next to London's Saint Pancras station and was the largest public building to be constructed in the UK in the 20th century. It took 10 million bricks and 180,000 tonnes of cement to complete. Our favorite spot? The King's Library. Image credit: @britishlibrary

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Rome, Italy

One of the biggest, most historic and grand libraries in the world, Rome's Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana is a must for anyone that loves their medieval history- its origins began with the Scrinium in the fourth century and it has over 42 kilometres of shelving full of historic texts and archive material. Only be accessible by 200 scholars at a time, you might want to email in advance in an attempt to secure a spot. Image: @massimo_listri_official (who's book on libraries is a must for any bibliophile).

The Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Located in the heart of Dublin City, the magnificent 18th century Old Library building at Trinity College is nearly 65 metres in length and it is filled to the ceiling with thousands of rare and historic books. One of the most impressive libraries in the world, it is also one of Ireland's tourist hotspots- if you want to actually work there, email in advance to apply for admission. Image: @lilla.froeken.world

George Peabody Library, Baltimore

It is whispered that the George Peabody Library was the inspiration for the library in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Regardless of whether that's true, it's impossible to be in the space and not feel creatively inspired. Quiet, with lots of natural light, it's the type of place you can happily work for hours. Oh and did we mention it's free admission too? Image: @georgepeabodylibrary

The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Washington, USA

Set across three buildings on Washington's Capitol Hill, The Library of Congress is literally the largest library in the entire world both by shelf space and in the sheer number of books it stores. The oldest building of the three is the Thomas Jefferson Building, which is by far the most beautiful. Once you’ve got your Instagram, researchers can access the Library’s Reading Rooms to do some more serious work. Image: @theworldofsarahelizabeth

JOSÉ VASCONCELOS LIBRARY, Mexico City, MEXICO

Nicknamed the “megalibrary”, Mexico City's Jose Vasconcelos Library was completed in 2007 and sprawls across 409,000 square foot. Holding over 500,000 books, it makes a great working spot and a great photo spot. Just outside you'll also find a quiet botanical garden where you can sit and ponder. Image: @rachmartino

Victoria State Library, Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is always referred to as Australia's intellectual capital and this beautiful natural lit reading room has a peaceful ambiance that will inspire you. The library itself is massive – containing over 2 million books – it also has some fantastic rarities, including the diaries of of Captain James Cook. Image: @jeanne_nayuba

Strahovská Knihovna, Prague

This one we are including purely because it's so beautiful and inspiring and a must-see when in Prague. The institute's emphasis, however, is not on entertaining freelancing nomads but on conserving the history, so there is only one public tour a day. Limited to 40 individuals, it must be booked ahead of time by email and is usually completely booked out 2 or 3 months in advance. Image: @veronika.chu